The Silent Auction at The Spring Open

Check Out Our Current Lots HERE

Spring Open Silent Auction Guide

Hosted by The Gamer’s Haven

The Spring Open Silent Auction is one of the most exciting community events at the Spring Open. It’s a chance for gamers and collectors to bring pieces of their collections to auction, discover hidden treasures, and connect with other hobbyists.

Whether you are looking to sell part of your collection or find something rare, the Silent Auction is designed to celebrate the tabletop gaming hobby and the passionate community around it.

Event Details

Event: Spring Open Silent Auction
Dates: May 23rd & May 24th
Location: Centennial Hotel – Spokane, Washington

Auction Opens: Saturday when the convention opens
Bidding Ends: Sunday after lunch

Auction lots will be displayed throughout the event and attendees can place bids directly on the lot sheets.

What is a Silent Auction?

A silent auction allows participants to place bids on items without a live auctioneer.

Each auction lot will have a bidding sheet displayed at the event. Participants simply write their bid amount on the sheet. The highest bid at the closing time wins the lot.

This format allows bidders to:

  • Browse items at their own pace

  • Place bids throughout the weekend

  • Discover new games, miniatures, and hobby supplies

Types of Auction Lots

We are looking for a variety of tabletop gaming related lots including:

Miniature Game Lots

  • Miniature Game Complete Armies
  • Miniature Game Unfinished armies
  • Individual Models or Units
  • Terrain collections
  • Bits boxes

Board Game Lots

  • Complete board games

  • Vintage board games

  • Out-of-print titles

  • Curated bundles of games

Card Game Lots

  • Trading card game collections

  • Promotional cards

  • Organized deck bundles

  • Collector items

Hobby Equipment

  • Airbrush setups

  • Hobby tools

  • Terrain building supplies

  • Paint collections

Collectible Gaming Items

  • Out-of-print games

  • Vintage tabletop products

 

You can find our current auction lot images here: 

Submission Deadline

All auction lots must be submitted by:

May 16th

This allows our team to prepare and organize the auction display.

All lots will be:

  • Cataloged

  • Approved

  • Stored safely for the event

Late submissions may not be accepted.

Auction Item Requirements

To maintain a high quality auction experience, all items must meet the following standards.

Minimum Retail Value

Items must have an original retail value of at least $100.

This ensures the auction features meaningful and desirable items.

Condition Standards

Items must be in complete and functional condition.

Accepted Condition

  • Complete sets with all components

  • Fully playable games

  • Usable hobby tools

  • Painted or unpainted miniatures

Not Accepted

  • Broken or heavily damaged items

  • Incomplete games missing major components

  • Items with severe wear

Original packaging is preferred but not required if the item is complete.

Minimum Starting Bid

Each auction lot must include a minimum acceptable bid set by the seller.

This starting bid should reflect a fair entry price for the lot.

How to Build a Great Auction Lot

A well organized lot attracts more bidders. Follow these steps to create an appealing auction entry.

Step 1 – Choose a Theme

Start with a clear theme that connects the items together.

Examples:

  • Used hobby tools

  • Warhammer army starter bundle

  • D&D terrain and accessories

  • Vintage board games

  • TCG starter collection

Themed lots tend to attract more attention and stronger bidding.

Step 2 – List the Contents Clearly

Provide a simple itemized list of everything included in the lot.

Example:

Used Hobby Tools Lot

Includes:

  • Master Airbrush with 0.3 needle and nozzle

  • 10 ft airbrush hose

  • 6 gallon air compressor

  • Compressor adapter fittings

  • Set of 7 airbrush paints

A clear list helps bidders understand the value of the lot quickly.

Step 3 – Take Clear Photos

Each lot should include clear photos of every item.

Tips:

  • Use good lighting

  • Show items from above

  • Take one photo per item if possible

  • Ensure the condition is clearly visible

Accurate photos build buyer confidence.

Step 4 – Set a Minimum Bid

Choose a starting price that encourages bidding.

Example:

Minimum bid: $125

Starting slightly lower often encourages bidding wars.

Step 5 – Provide Contact Information

Include contact details in case bidders have questions.

Example:

Questions about this lot?
Contact us at 509-443-5992

Example Auction Lot

Used Hobby Tools Bundle

Includes:

  • Master Airbrush with 0.3 needle/nozzle

  • 10 foot airbrush hose

  • 6 gallon air compressor

  • Compressor adapters

  • Set of 7 airbrush paints

Photos included for each item.

Minimum Bid: $125

How to Preview Auction Lots

We will post preview images and descriptions of auction lots ahead of the event so attendees can plan their bids.

Lots will be previewed through:

  • The Gamer’s Haven Discord

  • The Gamer’s Haven Facebook page

  • The Gamer’s Haven website blog

Previewing allows bidders to:

  • Identify lots they want early

  • Plan their bidding strategy

  • Build excitement before the event

How the Auction Works at the Event

  1. Browse the auction display tables

  2. Review the lot description sheet

  3. Write your bid on the bidding sheet

  4. Return later to see if you've been outbid

  5. Highest bid when the auction closes wins

Winning bidders will complete payment after the auction closes on Sunday.

Why Participate

The Spring Open Silent Auction is a fantastic opportunity to:

Connect With the Community

Meet fellow tabletop gamers, collectors, and hobbyists.

Give Games a New Home

Pass on games, armies, or tools that deserve to be played again.

Discover Hidden Gems

Find rare or unique items you might not see anywhere else.

Support Local Gaming

Your participation helps The Gamer’s Haven continue hosting events and supporting the gaming community.

How to Submit Auction Lots

If you would like to include items in the Spring Open Silent Auction, please contact us.

Phone: 509-443-5992
Email: TheGamersHaven@yahoo.com

You can also reach us through:

  • Facebook

  • Discord

  • In-store at The Gamer’s Haven

Join Us at the Spring Open

The Silent Auction is one of the highlights of the Spring Open weekend. Whether you're bidding, browsing, or submitting your own collection items, it's a celebration of the tabletop hobby and the amazing community around it.

We look forward to seeing you there.